Caritas Bangladeshâ€™s Mymensingh office is empowering local tribal people to make a stand against social injustice by teaching them about leadership, human rights and good governance.

Two of the northeastern officeâ€™s local development branches, the Protection and Establishing Rights on Land of Adivasi in Mymensingh (PERLAM) and the Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organized the training program for 75 people Jan. 25-27.

Participants came from various ethnic tribal groups in the area.

The training was aimed at helping people defend their rights regarding ongoing land problems, violence against women, human trafficking and navigating bureaucracy.

â€śEthnic tribal and minority religious groups face many problems but donâ€™t know how to go about resolving them,â€ť said one participant Proshanto Ruram, an NGO worker.

â€śFor example, I now know who I have to go to if I have a land problem,â€ť he added.

Another participant Dipali Hajong, a tribal Hindu Hajong and school teacher said she is now much more aware of her legal rights.

â€śAs a minority we sometimes face persecution from the majority. This training has shown us to whom we can turn to get legal assistance,â€ť she told ucanews.com.

Caritas PERLAM-MJF trainer Osman Goni, explained why the program was so important for local tribal people.

â€śTribal people in Mymensingh often donâ€™t know who to turn to when they fall victim to social injustice. Many feel helpless and vulnerable,â€ť Goni said.

This training will help participants take control of their lives better, get proper documentation and know which officials to see to claim their rights.